CardStar
This new iPhone app stores all your reward, club, and loyalty cards in your smartphone, so, instead of having to carry your gym, grocery store, and pharmacy membership cards, you can simply show a retailer your iPhone and scan it in the bar code reader. Though some journalists have reported a few glitches with this app, all the moms I spoke with said it’s helpful.
Google Maps
If you have an iPhone OS or 4, then you have a preinstalled version of this app, which can pull up real-time traffic patterns so you can navigate better while you’re on the road. Anyone who has ever driven in large cities and been stuck in traffic with grouchy children knows the value of being able to find a faster route home.
Fandango
This application allows you to look up movie times and reviews, as well as purchase tickets on the go, something moms find helpful when they’re out and about with their kids and decide to have a fun, spontaneous cinematic excursion.
Yahoo! Sketch-a-Search
Released by Yahoo in 2010, this iPhone app is great for moms who are traveling and in search of a restaurant within a particular radius—especially when McDonald’s seems to be the only visible option. The app provides a map of your area; then you can circle the specific smaller region where you are with your finger, and it pulls up all the restaurants in the vicinity.
Netflix
This is now a free app; once you download it, you can instantly watch movies or cartoon TV shows streaming from Netflix. This app is especially helpful when you’re traveling long distances in the car or on the plane with restless children.
moreBeaute
This free application helps with photography—and isn’t it usually the case that the most precious moments occur when we don’t have a camera with us? This application allows you to do some photo editing, such as smoothing out skin or lightening skin tone, to enhance those pictures you might want to take when you’re running around with your little ones at the playground.
Jamie Oliver’s 20 Minute Quick Meals
This app made the list but isn’t ranked as high as Epicurious, as it costs $7.99 and obviously limits you to just Jamie Oliver’s meals. But if you’re a fan of his “naked chef” cooking or are looking to boost your family’s health by eating healthier, fresher fare, then you’ll find it worth the cost.
